‘You know what’s strange…I felt safer on the night of the riots, on the sidewalk in front of Stonewall, than I did in my own home town.’
Riot Act is a hard-hitting, hilarious and heart-warming exploration of the history of the LGBTQ rights movement.
Created from playwright and performer Alexis Gregory’s interviews with Michael-Anthony Nozzi, one of the only remaining Stonewall survivors; Lavinia Co-op, a 1970s London radical-drag artist; and Paul Burston, a prominent 1990s AIDS activist, this solo verbatim piece is a breathtaking journey through six decades of queer history.
Arriving at Arcola after a sold-out West End performance, and ahead of a UK Tour, Riot Act honours the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots – with the 30th June performance marking the actual anniversary weekend.
It’s going to be a riot!
★★★★★ “I reviewed the show last year, and found it powerful, deeply moving and politically rousing. None of that has changed, and the show, along with writer and star Alexis Gregory, have only got better.” – The Spy In The Stalls
★★★★★ “This is a wonderful history lesson told with a zest and zeal and should be relished. Emotionally charged and honest theatre.” – Boyz
★★★★★ “A stunning and deeply emotional performance ... A deeply profound production, deftly directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair” – remotegoat.com
★★★★★ “This is a first-rate show, that will make you laugh and cry.” – LondonTheatre1
★★★★★ “The rage is palpable, as is the humour. And it’s a moving experience” – Queer Review
★★★★★ “Alexis Gregory’s delivery of each nuanced monologue is energised with subtlety and an intense and overwhelming passion. If this is your sort of thing - grab a ticket” – London Box Office
★★★★★ “Carefully considered and beautifully composed” – London Theatre Reviews
★★★★★ “An absolutely magnificent piece of theatre, a seriously stunning piece of work with a powerful performance and writing... One not to miss” – Hayley Sprout
★★★★ “Verbatim theatre at its best...Gregory; a powerful presence, shows fierce awareness of his theatrical and political context” – The Stage
★★★★ “Funny as well as moving, honest and truthful ... theatre at its simplest and at its best” – British Theatre Guide
★★★★ “An eye opening punch to the gut” – Broadway World
★★★★ “Powerful and deeply moving” – Theatre Weekly
★★★★ “Alexis Gregory has woven various themes together beautifully in his compelling performance in RIOT ACT ... A masterclass ... Absolutely riveting” – Queer Guru
★★★★ “A powerful piece of verbatim theatre, Alexis Gregory delivers a performance that lets the spirit of his inspirations shine through as he challenges and informs. Bravo!” – London Living Large
★★★★ “These are stories that need to be heard, delivered with power that demands we listen” – The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “A compelling account of gay rights activism... what makes 'Riot Act' really work is Alexis Gregory’s utterly captivating delivery” – Gay Times
★★★★ “A gut-wrenching conversation of forgotten truths, a devastating and hearty piece of verbatim theatre, causing a standing ovation and a chorus of thank yous” – London Student
★★★★ “A powerful and important piece of verbatim theatre that captures the joys, fears and losses of the last five decades of LGBT history - Alexis Gregory gives a masterful performance” – BritishTheatre.com
